Congresswoman Doris Matsui has introduced a bill that would allow the city of Sacramento to build a police and fire station in Natomas – even after new building restrictions kick in next month.

On December 8th, the federal government will effectively ban all new Natomas growth until the area’s flood risk is reduced. Problem is, North Natomas badly needs a fire station – and that’d be prohibited, too.

Enter Congresswoman Doris Matsui. The Sacramento Democrat is pushing the feds to make an exception by introducing this bill.

Matsui: “This is something where it’s only for public safety. It does not at all allow any other kind of building in Natomas.”

Matsui says she hopes to add her bill early next year to a stimulus or infrastructure measure – both priorities in the incoming Obama administration.

The city of Sacramento is working to finalize the funding for that combined North Natomas police and fire station. A vote on that plan is scheduled for the middle of January.